lets2Kabout: "Top 10 Words for Valentine's Day"

#1: Romantic

Definition: marked by expressions of love or affection; conducive to or suitable for lovemaking; a person of romantic temperament or disposition (noun) About the word: We associate this word with sweetness and love, but it emerged from the conquering powers of the Roman Empire. #2: Valentine Definition: a sweetheart chosen or complimented on Valentine's Day; a gift or greeting sent on this day About the word: Christianity has more than one martyr named Valentine, and the one, true Valentine is uncertain. #3: Amour Definition: a usually illicit love affair Example: "[T]he story of John Tschirhart is one that you would only expect to see in a compelling, haunting movie about romance, amour, passion and heartbreak..." – Dorian de Wind, The Huffington Post, Nov 9, 2010 #4: Adonis Definition: a very handsome young man Example: "[T]he cool new crop of models at agencies like Major [are] guys closer to the Ivy League Adonis ideal of yesteryear....” – Guy Trebay, NYTimes.com, July 21, 2010 #5: Aphrodisiac Definition: something that excites; an agent that arouses or is held to arouse sexual desire Example: "To me, one of the most successful attributes of an aphrodisiac meal are colors, aromas, tastes and textures that wake up the palate and challenge the mind." – Amy Reiley, quoted by Sarah Kershaw in NYTimes.com, February 9, 2010 #6: Infatuation Definition: foolish or extravagant love or admiration Example: "And you are infatuated, which is a very different thing from love. Infatuation is like a roller coaster ride – crazy, scary and somewhat fun, while love is something more down to earth, less exhilarating, less dramatic but more real." – letter to Salon.com, January 6, 2011 #7: Casanova Definition: lover, especially a man who is a promiscuous and unscrupulous lover Example: "In stepped [Justin] Bieber, with his mop of hair and an impish personality that seems to be part Dennis the Menace and part teenage Casanova." – Andy Downing,Chicago Tribune, March 25, 2010 #8: Unrequited Definition: not reciprocated or returned in kind Example: "Moreover, a good solution for unrequited love is, of course, new love." – Lucinda Rosenfeld,Slate.com, Nov 16 2010 #9: Saccharine Definition: overly sentimental; mawkish; unpleasantly sweet Example: "A clever central conceit, a series of amusing gags, a modicum of drama, and a heartwarming but not too saccharine conclusion." – John Swansburg, reviewing "How I Met Your Mother," Slate.com, March 23, 2010 #10: Sweetheart Definition: darling; one who is loved About the word: The Greeks and Egyptians believed the heart was the center of the emotions. English speakers borrowed the idea, and sweet +heart has been a term of endearment – particularly for romantic love – since the Middle Ages.